Dear Editor and Readers of the McCreary County Voice

I am an aged mom trying to protect her child.  We need your help.  In turn, you will help so many people with developmental disabilities living in group homes.

My daughter, Caroline, suffers repeated, unexplained injuries in her group home.  She has severe autism which means she is completely dependent on caregivers for all her needs.  Severe autism has left her unable to communicate in any way.  State investigators are unable to help her because she cannot tell what happens.

Sadly, 70% of people with developmental disabilities living in group homes are neglected, physically abused, and sexually abused.  50% of these are physically abused.  41% are sexually abused.

Furthermore, a joint report by the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, the Office of Inspector General, Administration on Community Living, and Office for Civil Rights says that injuries, serious medical conditions, and even deaths of those with developmental disabilities living in group homes often are not looked into and go unreported.  The issues are believed to be systemic affecting people with disabilities residing in group homes across the country.

Senate Bill 173 addresses this issue by giving parents/guardians the right to place a camera in the private residential room of their child/ward.  Group home providers should welcome this bill as it has the ability to exonerate staff as well as identify abusers and enable providers to keep residents safe.  Yet, they argue cameras are a violation of privacy.  I believe safety is more important than privacy.  I believe people who need bathing, dressing, and yes, having their bottoms wiped, already have no privacy.  Furthermore, privacy is also the right to personal choice.

Your Senator, Robert Stivers, has tremendous influence over the Kentucky Assembly and can help so many.  Please write him at [email protected] or phone 1-800-372-7181 and vote YES for Senate Bill 173.  This call takes about two minutes and will help so many vulnerable people.